Posted: Sun, Dec 24, 2017, 4:09 PM ET (2109 GMT)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a fourth set of ten Iridium Next satellites Friday night, ending a record year for the launch company. The Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 8:27 pm EST (0127 GMT Saturday) and deployed the ten satellites about an hour after launch. The launch, taking place shortly after sunset, was widely seen throughout southern California and as far east as Arizona. Unlike most recent launches, SpaceX made no effort to land and recover the first stage. The launch was the 18th Falcon 9 mission of the year, the most in any year for SpaceX. The company is planning to increase its launch rate further in 2018.